NEWS & EVENTS

Dordt College News

(Sunday, May 29; Sioux Center, Iowa) Jen Kempers (sophomore; Sioux Center, Iowa) ran away from the field in the 3000 meter steeplechase to become the first-ever outdoor track and field NAIA national champion at Dordt College. Kempers timed a new school and stadium record of 10:55.04 to win the event by over ten seconds with her nearest competitor coming in with a time of 11:06.98. Kempers qualified for the event with a time of 11:02.02. The previous stadium record at Fresno Pacific's facility was 11:07.34.

"It was a dominating performance," said Dordt College head coach Dr. Syne Altena. "Jen led start to finish. It was really something to see."

Dan DeJong (junior; Lansing, Illinois)popped a triple jump of 48'7.25" and held on for sixth place in the event, earning all-American honors in the process. The event was won with a performance of 52'4".

"Dan's performance was a pleasant suprise," said Altena. "He popped it on his first try and was fifth going into the finals and held on for sixth."

Both De Jong and Kempers competed on the last day of the meet, Saturday, May 27. Kempers also qualified in the high jump, but was unable to clear the opening height of 5'3.25" shortly after running the steeplechase.

Earlier in the meet the Dordt College Lady Defender 4 x 800 relay team ran in the preliminaries of the event late Thursday night, May 25, placing tenth in the prelims, missing qualification for the finals in the event.

Tami Wieringa (freshman; Lombard, Illinois), Lori Rowenhorst (junior; Orange City, Iowa), Chelsea Gerdes (junior; Sioux Falls, South Dakota) and Jen Kempers (sophomore; Sioux Center, Iowa) registered a time of 9:34.62 in the event and had the lowest time of teams not qualifying for the final heats.